Think eating high cholesterol foods is what’s to blame for high cholesterol levels in the body? Think again. Today’s research shows that there is very little correlation between the cholesterol that one consumes and the body’s cholesterol production. That doesn’t mean dietary choices can’t be blamed though! The liver gets triggered to produce fat and cholesterol in response to excess sugar and carbs. Meaning high-carb diets are to blame for high cholesterol levels! Why? Well, carbs are known to increase the production of triglycerides, lower the good (HDL) cholesterol, and increase the bad (LDL) cholesterol. Relevant: Chiropractic Helps Diabetes? 3 WAYS TO LOWER CHOLESTEROL NATURALLY Incorporate cholesterol-lowering foods into your diet. What kind of foods are these? 1. Studies have proven that soluble fiber-rich foods like oats help lower cholesterol by binding cholesterol and its precursors in the digestive system and dragging them out before they get into circulation. Numerous studies have shown that eating almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and other nuts are good for the heart. Fruit like apples, grapes, strawberries and citrus fruits are rich in pectin, another form of soluble fiber that regulates cholesterol levels. Eating fish replaces meat, which has cholesterol-boosting saturated fats. It also provides you Read more…
Tips for Having a Healthy Holiday Season!
The holidays are meant to be a time of great joy and cheer, but sometimes they can be downright stressful. Especially, when we aren’t planning enough time for ourselves. That’s why I wrote this week’s blog. While the holiday season will always be a little hectic, not sticking to your healthy habits can result in you feeling run down (or even worse…sick!) over the holidays. Here are a few tips to keep you working out and eating right this holiday! Tips for Working Out During the Holiday • Pencil it In. You are less likely to skip your workout if you make a point to pencil it into your calendar. Look over your plans for the holiday and figure out when and where a workout could fit in. • Keep it Short. You don’t have to run a marathon. Schedule a quick HIIT circuit or a walk with the family to keep your body moving. • Get the Family Involved. After all, there’s nothing like skating or tobogganing to get you in the holiday spirit. Tips of Eating Healthy During the Holidays • Try Your Best. Let’s face it, it’s hard to eat clean during the holidays. If you do happen to fall Read more…
Considering that about 1 in 2 Canadians will develop cancer in their lifetime, it’s safe to assume that you or someone you know likely suffers from this life-altering disease. While chiropractic care may not be able to cure cancer, it can help reduce some of the symptoms experienced during and after treatment as well as help prevent it.* According to an article on thetruthaboutcancer.com, 84% of cancer survivors who undergo chiropractic care do so to alleviate pain, improve mood and sleeping habits, as well as to relieve stress. Though these are all great reasons to see a chiropractor, perhaps the best side effect of regular chiropractic care is its ability to boost the immune system and help the body heal! A Word on Cancer Cells Most people don’t realize this, but cancer cells are damaged cells. Meaning, most people have them. That said, not everyone will develop cancer. Why is this? In a healthy body, the immune system is strong enough to kill the cancer cells before they multiply. It is only when the immune system is too weak, that the cancer cells overwhelm the body and cancer develops. How Chiropractic Can Help Prevent Cancer Spinal misalignments (subluxations) are one of the Read more…
At some point or another we’ve all experienced the dreaded symptoms of a cold. You know, the sneezing, scratchy throat, runny nose, and fatigue that comes along with it. Though most of us are quick to blame someone else for our symptoms, there’s really only one person to blame: ourselves. Instead of being mad at your partner or coworker for spreading their germs, you should be upset with your immune system. Ultimately, a cold is our body’s way of telling us that our immune system isn’t strong enough. Hence why we’ve dedicated this week’s blog to sharing 5 Natural Immune Boosters! 5 NATURAL IMMUNE BOOSTERS 1) ZEN TIME. With Fall in the air and the holiday season fast approaching, things can get a little chaotic. Here’s the thing though, when it comes to health there isn’t anything more harmful than stress. Especially when it comes to colds. Stress weakens our immune system, making us more susceptible to colds and illness. It’s great to have a few plans or a couple of projects to tackle but give yourself some time to relax. Plan some zen time–your body will thank you for it! 2) WATER. Just because it’s getting cooler outside doesn’t mean Read more…
5 THINGS YOU CAN DO TO SLOW AGING
Though some may claim they hold the key to eternal youth, when it comes to getting older, there’s really no magic pill. That being said, there are some things you can do to help slow down the process. SLOW AGING WITH THESE 5 TIPS #1– Stay Hydrated! The human body can go for weeks without food, but only about 3 days without water. Are you drinking enough? A good general guideline for water consumption is 8 – 10 glasses per day. And when we say water, we mean water—not soda or coffee. Water flushes toxins from the body and helps keep the skin hydrated, keeping cells happy and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. #2 – Eat Right and Take Your Vitamins! Eat a diet rich in good fats, moderate in protein and light in carbohydrates, and avoid sugar as much as possible. Why? Sugar causes inflammation, which breaks down collagen and elastin causing wrinkles and sagging skin. What’s more, sugar has been linked to numerous illnesses and diseases. Certain supplements can help slow down the aging process. Click here to learn about the 7 vitamins that can help! #3 – Exercise Regularly! Regular exercise produces long-term health benefits and in some cases, Read more…
5 Ways to Reduce Menopause Symptoms Naturally!
From hot flashes to mood swings, most women experience a range of symptoms when going through menopause. Luckily, there are natural ways to reduce menopause symptoms – and chiropractic care is one of them What is Menopause? By definition menopause is one year without a menstrual period. Most North American women will experience menopause at around the age of 50. During this time, the ovaries begin to limit estrogen production, forcing the adrenal glands to take over. Those with balanced hormones will likely go through menopause with ease. However, those with hormonal imbalances are likely to experience symptoms like: • Irregular periods • Hot flashes • Night sweats • Problems sleeping • Mood changes • Weight gain and slowed metabolism • Thinning of hair and dry skin As we have said time and time again, symptoms are your body’s way of letting you know that something is wrong. A hormone imbalance is often the cause of issues during menopause. Many women turn to estrogen replacement therapy but this has many risks including: breast cancer, heart disease and stroke. What can you do if you suffer from menopause symptoms? 5 Ways to Reduce Annoying Menopause Symptoms Naturally! 1. Take a Supplement! Read more…
Can Chiropractic Help Fertility Issues?
In 1984, the estimated number of Canadian couples struggling with fertility problems was 5.4%. In 1992, the number rose to 8.5%. Today, 11.5% to 15.7% of Canadian couples struggle with infertility. When you break that down that’s one in every six couples, which means you or someone you know has probably struggled with infertility. How can chiropractic help with fertility issues? Keep reading. What is Infertility? The general definition of infertility is being unable to conceive after a year of regular, unprotected intercourse if a woman is under age 35, or 6 months if a woman is 35 or older. Infertility can also refer to the biological inability of an individual to contribute to conception, or to a female who cannot carry a pregnancy to full term. What Causes Infertility? From the growing number of women waiting to have children later in life, to the rising rate of obesity, to declining sperm counts in men –there are many reasons fertility issues are on the rise. Perhaps one of the most preeminent issues is the use of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in our pharmaceuticals, household chemicals and foods. Research shows that EDCs not only impact fertility, but also contribute to cancer, diabetes Read more…
Do you suffer from the A-B-C-Ds? Abdominal Pain Bloating Constipation Diarrhea If so, you might be one of the 30% of Canadians suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (also known as IBS) is a common disorder that affects the large intestine (colon). It can begin in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood and can resolve unexpectedly for periods throughout an individual’s lifespan, recurring at any age. Most people can control their IBS symptoms by managing their diet, lifestyle and stress levels. However, those with more severe symptoms may require medication and counselling. What Triggers IBS? Your intestinal walls are lined with layers of muscle that contract and relax in a rhythm as they move food from your stomach to your rectum. If you have irritable bowel syndrome, contractions may be stronger and last longer than normal, causing gas, bloating and diarrhea. Or they may be weaker, slowing food contractions slowing food passage and leading to hard, dry stools. It’s not known exactly what causes this to occur, but there are notable IBS triggers. Triggers vary from person to person. The Mayo Clinic lists these four common triggers on their website: Dietary Choices. Food allergies and intolerances can trigger IBS Read more…
5 Summer Sports That Can Cause Back Pain
Summer is officially here meaning Summer sports are in season. This week’s blog discusses five sports that are known to cause back pain, so that you can protect your spine when participating in your summertime activities! 1. Football All contact sports are rough on the body, but football is especially rough. Even as a spectator, my body starts to hurt after seeing someone take a big hit. One common back injury football players are plagued with is called a stinger “a sports related injury to the nerves around the neck or shoulders.” 2. Running Running is a well-known perpetrator of back pain. Its repetitive and high impact nature will often lead to, or worsen back injuries. Why is this? Your spinal discs are your body’s shock absorbers. Similar to the shocks on a bike or car, they are susceptible to wear and tear especially, if used often and for long durations. One common type of back pain runners experience is sciatica — a shooting pain that radiates from the back into the legs. Those experiencing back pain should consult a health care professional before running to ensure the action will not aggravate the problem. 3. Golf Though golf is one Read more…
Shoulder pain bothering you? Find relief with these tips